Apply Now for the Model Communities ProgramThe application process for 2019 is now open!
The Vermont Climate Economy Model Communities Program invites proposals from Vermont towns and local leaders interested in increasing local economic prosperity by working together to identify home,... read more

Making It Happen: Vermont Community Leadership SummitOver 500 current and emerging leaders from towns and cities throughout Vermont came together at the Making It Happen! Vermont Community Leadership Summit on October 1, 2018 at Castleton University to learn new skills from each other and statewide... read more

Wallingford Community Visit Report - 2018We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Wallingford. Read the Report and Action Plan. Community members identified 3 priority areas for future action: Support Business and Economic Development; Build Multi-Use Trails and River Access and... read more

Empower Pownal Report - 2017Pownal was the first community to participate in VCRD's Climate Economy Model Community Program (CEMCP), named Empower Pownal. CEMCP is community-driven process with local leaders, VCRD, Green Mountain Power, and Efficiency Vermont to cultivate... read more

Community Leadership AwardThe awardees are:
2018 - Lifetime Leadership Award presented to Hank and Molly Lambert
On October 1, 2018, VCRD presented the Community Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award to Molly and Hank Lambert of Swanton, both who have deep experience... read more

Lyndon Community Visit Report - 2017We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Lyndon. Read the Report and Action Plan. Community members identified 4 priority areas for future action: Support business growth and economic development; Establish a unified recreation program... read more

Vernon Community Visit Report - 2016We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Vernon. Read the Report and Action Plan. Community members identified 3 priority areas and built task forces to take action to: Develop the Riverfront and Improve Trails and Outdoor Recreation;... read more

Join the Climate Economy PartnershipIt is time for action to advance Vermont's climate economy.
The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) invites both individuals and organizations/businesses to join the Vermont Climate Economy Partnership in a united effort to advance Vermont... read more

2016 Community Quotes and Policy WorkVCRD serves as a convener, catalyst, and leader for Vermont to build and advance policies to support the working landscape, economic innovation, and strong communities! This snapshot shares quotes about our work with communities and our recent... read more

2016 Climate Economy Summit ReportOver 420 participants came together on February 22, 2016 for VCRD’s 2nd Climate Economy Summit: IDEAS to ACTION. Participants reviewed PROGRESS FOR VERMONT, the report and action plan of the Vermont Climate Change Economy Council and worked to... read more

St. Johnsbury Community Visit Report - 2015We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in St. Johnsbury. Read the Report and Action Plan. Community members identified 5 priority areas for future action: Improve Community Communications and Promote a Positive Town Image; Develop a St.... read more

Cambridge Community Visit Report - 2014We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Cambridge. Read the Report and Action Plan. Community members identified 4 priority areas for future action: Plan and Develop a Senior Living Center and Expand Senior Services; Advance a Cambridge... read more

Vermont Digital Economy Project: Online ReportThe Vermont Digital Economy Project was created by the Vermont Council on Rural Development to address vulnerabilities of Vermont business and communities that are not fully utilizing online tools. The project offered free support that sped-up flood... read more

New Initiative to Advance Vermont’s “Climate Economy”Can Vermont be a national leader in incubating small businesses that answer climate change? The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) thinks so.
The organization is announcing a new initiative designed to rally business, policy and community... read more

Wi-Fi and Broadband Spreading Through Vermontby Alex Rose
Waterbury, Vt.- Some people are attached to their phones, and connecting to Wi-Fi on your Smartphone, brings the internet to our fingertips.
"Internet access is a basic need for participation in the economic life, civic life, social... read more

Costello Commentary: Vergennes on the MoveVergennes — With all its assets, Vergennes epitomizes so much that Vermont communities statewide strive for: a strong village center, surrounded by a beautiful working landscape, strong, committed community members, a dynamic and balanced downtown... read more

VCRD and IBM partner for a more resilient VermontFinal IBM disaster preparedness workshop with the Vermont FoodBank wraps up $150,000 IBM grant
MONTPELIER - On Thursday, June 5th, IBM specialists will deliver a disaster preparedness workshop to Vermont FoodBank members from flood-prone... read more

Vergennes Community Visit Ends on a High NoteOn Wednesday May 21, VCRD and a Community Visit Resource Team went back to Vergennes for our last session as facilitators of the Community Visit process. At this final visit, we kicked-off the Task Forces that address the three community priorities... read more

Pride in Vermont is Alive and Well!
Last week, VCRD hosted a “State Rural Policy Innovation Roundtable” reviewing key rural development action led by states and how this work can contribute to national rural policy. We had folks from California, Wyoming, Oregon, Vermont, Illinois,... read more

Manchester Community Visit Report - 2013We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Manchester. Read the Report and Action Plan. Community members identified 4 priority areas for future action: Develop a Small Business Incubator; Become a Biking Center and Destination; Attract... read more

What a Wi-Fi Zone Means to One Vermont Town
Neal Fox, Bethel Business Association Chairman, speaks at Bethel Wi-Fi zone opening
In a bright renovated Town Hall in Bethel Vermont, with sunlight flowing into the room from large windows lining two walls, locals gathered for an evening of... read more